KCET Devotes Evening to Armenian Culture History

LOS ANGELES–KCET is saluting the rich history and culture of the Armenian people in two documentary specials back to back–Friday–August 3: The Armenia’s: A Story of Survival premieres at 9 p.m.–followed by an encore of the acclaimed The Armenian Americans at 10:30 p.m.

The Stroy of Survival tells the tale of a fascinating and tenacious people–whom history has at times tried to eradicate–but has never succeeded. The documentary explores the journey and struggle of the Armenian people — from their humble beginnings near the Middle East where they were identified only by their different language–through their Christian conversion in 301 A.D. and their domination by numerous empires–to their near elimination in the 20th century.

The program–narrated by Olympia Dukakis–includes interviews with writers Elie Wiesel–Dr. Robert J. Lifton and Peter Balakian. In addition–His Holiness Karekin II–Catholicos of All Armenia’s and Armenian President Robert Kocharian are also interviewed–among many others.

Shot in nine countries from Azerbaijan to Iran to the United States–the show details Armenian identity and language; Armenia’s war with her neighbor Azerbaijan; a close look at the Armenian Genocide–and a survey of the Armenian Diaspora–including never-before-seen footage of Armenia’s in 1915 and Soviet Armenia.

Andrew Goldberg is the award-winning writer–producer–and director. His previous documentary The Armenian Americans will also air the same evening–which features personal recollections from tennis champion Andre Agassi–actor Mike Connors–actor/writer Eric Bogosian–actress/writer Andrea Martin–among others.

KCET will also feature Armenian author Micheline Aharonian Marcom on The BookShow with Patt Morrison–which airs on Saturday–July 21 at 7 p.m. Morrison will interview the second-generation Armenian-American about her debut novel–"Three Apples Fell From Heaven." The acclaimed novel intertwines the lives of fictional characters set against the true madness and mayhem of the systematic slaughter of the Armenian people at the hands of the Turkish government between 1915 amd 1917.

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